Friday, May 23, 2008

My Anniversary of Accomplishments: A Personal Story

I am celebrating an anniversary this month, actually two milestones I am very proud of. 10 years ago this month I graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. The other milestone also began around this same time, where I lost 30 pounds before my graduation. You probably wonder why my weight loss is such an accomplishment for me and why I still remember my start on this road.

I have always been overweight. The Katiebabs’s people are big ones. My father’s people have big hips, which are perfect for childbearing. My mother’s people are very broad. My genes show the best of these two worlds. By the time I was a senior in college and I was close to one hundred pounds over weight. I was pushing 240 on my 5’10 frame. I was known as the cute fat girl. Also at this time I didn’t give a rat’s ass because my four years in college were the best I ever had. I was accepted by both men and women and had great relationships with my teachers and other students alike. I was even Vice- President of my sorority, Alpha Rho Omega. Being away at college allows you so much freedom and for me that was with food. Again, I was always a “big” girl but at school, my appetite for food went crazy. I was close to wearing a size 26 pants and my hips were 52 inches by the age of 21.

The day when I came back for my final semester of college was a real eye opener for me. I was sitting in one of the dorm lounges, when one of my fellow sisters was looking at pictures with one of her guy friends. The guy gasped and asked out loud, “Who’s the big dude?” I glanced over at the picture. There was me, a big blob in a black sweat suit wearing a hat. I don’t know what was worse, being thought of as a man or being fat. I slowly stood up and went into my room and sat there stunned. I didn’t go in hysterics but made a promise to myself to live a life with more well being for myself, whether to live a healthier lifestyle or one of fulfillment. The very next day I went to the gym and for months till my graduation I exercised with incredible results. I pushed myself also in other ways. I worked my brain along with body by reading and writing more than I ever have. I looked forward to what my future would bring.

Ten years later I am in a brighter place all because of one simple picture and the recognition that I can accomplish something most people said I couldn’t.

*People told me I couldn’t keep the weight off. In over ten years I have lost 80 pounds and kept it off. My boobs may be entering a –A cup territory, but I definitely no longer have 52 inch hips.

*I was told I wouldn’t be working in television in a city like NYC doing what I enjoy. I now work at NBC Networks in NYC.

*I was told my book reviews were less than satisfactory and no one would find them pleasing. In the past year I have written over hundreds of reviews and I know for a fact that people read them and admire my skills. And I thank you all for that.

The reason for this personal post is that some of you are at a point in your life where you want to accomplish something great like publishing thatWIPor perhaps sitting down and try your hand at writing your very first review. It all comes down to you. Don't second guess yourself. Your success is what you make it. Forget the need for money, fame or prestige. Your success is based on the goals you set for yourself and taking the initiative to accomplish something. Just by thinking about doing it and actually starting on it in itself should be applauded.

I am the perfect example where so many have told me “I couldn’t”. They may say I can’t but I simply say to them, “I can.”

There are always those around us who tells us that we can't do this or that. Some of them say it out of love and concern--they don't want us to fail and be hurt. Others do it out of deeply ingrained negativity, and yet others out of meanness.

Whichever the reason, blindly following such negative view of ourselves will only hurts us more than trying and risking falling flat on our faces.

Thank you for sharing, katie(babs), and congrats on succeeding in the face of such admonitions. *raising glass* here's to you, girl!

Wow for some reason I really needed to hear that. Thank you for the inspirational words and as Alys and others have said you are an inspiration and I bow to you *wink* I wish ya the best keep up the great work and of course those fantastic reviews. After all that is the reason I started doing it. *bows*

Thanks for sharing your accomplishments with us Katiebabs! Your reviews are wonderful (the Ward one was so well done and without spoilers!), I've seen pictures of you on this blog and you look fabulous and I had no idea you were living your work dream.

It's great to hear about someone living their dream and even taking the time to let others know they can do it too.

It's been great getting to know you better since you joined Kristie here!

Thanks everyone! I know some of you are hard at work towards your goals and dreams, and felt if you knew some my feelings and my goals, you will feel better about yourselves. I am so happy to know a wonderful group of people who are bright, intelligent and awesome! :D